Date: Thu, 13 Jun 1996 14:46:25 -0600
Subject: Dialectics of Nature


I'm well into chapter three now, and quite amazed.

Does anybody here think that this book is actually a useful example
of the application, or demonstration of applicability of 'dialectics'
to natural science?

I've seen some lefties proclaim its profound wonders before, but have
any of them actually read this stuff?

I've never read such antique physics before, which is interesting in
itself, as the history of science.  It seems clear from DN itself
that several notions about universal and inseparable opposites were
standard fare in the physics of the day.  So what does calling it
'dialectics' add to that?

Or does it just give 'dialectics' a 'scientific' gloss?

Is Engels drawing some kind of analogy between the constant motion of
everything allegedly due to the 'indestructibility of energy' and the
allegedly constant change of human society?  

Is this thread going to connect to the 'method of spurious analogy'
thread re: the much abused pomos?

Stay tuned...

Lisa


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